Farmhouse Upholstery Fabric: Must-Have Colors, Prints And Fabric

As designers plan their projects for 2024, one style that continues to captivate and endure is the timeless charm of farmhouse decor. 

With its fusion of comfort, simplicity and a touch of nostalgia, farmhouse style has seamlessly transitioned into contemporary tastes, proving that its allure is not merely a passing trend. 

Among the design elements that contribute to its cozy allure, farmhouse upholstery fabric emerges as a popular component. From muted earthy tones to bold pops of color, and from classic stripes to farm animal motifs, let’s unravel the threads that weave together the fabric of farmhouse aesthetics. 

Farmhouse Upholstery Colors

Farmhouse color palettes are characterized by muted, earthy tones that evoke a sense of warmth and simplicity. Popular colors for farmhouse upholstery include:

• Neutral Beiges and Creams: Beige and cream tones are staples in farmhouse design. These neutral colors create a calming and inviting atmosphere, making them ideal for upholstery in farmhouse furniture.
• Soft Grays: Soft gray shades add a touch of sophistication to farmhouse interiors. They work well with other neutral tones and can create a subtle contrast in upholstery.
• Subdued Blues: Light blues reminiscent of the sky or sea can bring a refreshing element to farmhouse upholstery. These hues enhance the overall tranquility of the space.
• Warm Greens: Soft, muted greens evoke a connection to nature, which is a key element in farmhouse design. Green upholstery can add a hint of the outdoors to farmhouse furniture.
• Earthy Browns: Deep browns and rich chocolate tones contribute to the rustic charm of farmhouse-style upholstery. These colors create a cozy and grounded ambiance.

Although farmhouse decor typically relies on neutral tones as its foundation, the trend in 2024 encourages the incorporation of bold pops of color to inject personality into spaces. Deep, rich hues such as emerald green, navy blue or terracotta can be introduced into a space through throw pillows, blankets or even individual furniture pieces. 

These vibrant additions serve to enliven the traditional farmhouse palette, providing an exciting and statement-making element to any room.

Farmhouse Upholstery Prints

Prints play a crucial role in adding character and visual interest to farmhouse-style upholstery. Choosing the right prints can enhance the overall rustic charm and cozy atmosphere associated with farmhouse interiors. Here's are some of the most popular prints used today in farmhouse decor:

• Stripes: Classic striped patterns are timeless and versatile, making them a popular choice for farmhouse upholstery. Whether vertical or horizontal, muted or bold, stripes can add a sense of order and simplicity to furniture pieces.
• Checks and Gingham: Checks and gingham prints bring a touch of nostalgia to farmhouse-style upholstery. These patterns, often in neutral tones, contribute to the timeless and traditional feel associated with farmhouse design.
• Florals: Soft, understated floral prints can add a touch of romance to farmhouse upholstery. Opting for florals in muted colors, such as faded roses or delicate wildflowers, complements the overall aesthetic without overpowering the space.
• Toile de Jouy: This traditional French print often features pastoral scenes and intricate patterns. Toile de Jouy prints in muted tones, depicting countryside life or nature-inspired imagery, can seamlessly integrate with farmhouse-style upholstery.
• Houndstooth: Houndstooth prints bring a classic and tailored look to farmhouse furniture. Typically seen in neutral colors, this pattern can add sophistication and a sense of refinement to upholstery.
• Geometric Patterns: Farmhouse design doesn't shy away from simple geometric patterns. Subtle plaids, triangles or hexagons in muted colors can provide a modern touch to farmhouse-style upholstery.
• Farm Animal Motifs: To evoke a stronger connection to rural life, upholstery featuring farm animal motifs such as chickens, cows or horses can be a whimsical and charming choice for farmhouse furniture.
• Script and Typography: Upholstery featuring script or typography prints adds a personalized and vintage touch to farmhouse interiors. Words, phrases or quotes related to farm life or nature can enhance the overall theme.
• Patchwork: Patchwork upholstery, combining different fabrics and prints in a cohesive manner, embodies the resourcefulness and handmade quality often associated with farmhouse design. This approach can create a unique and eclectic look.
• Ticking Stripes: Inspired by vintage mattress ticking, these narrow striped prints in neutral tones are a classic choice for farmhouse-style upholstery. Ticking stripes add a sense of history and authenticity to furniture pieces.

When selecting prints for farmhouse upholstery, maintain a balance between visual interest and the understated elegance that characterizes farmhouse design. Mixing and matching prints can create a curated and eclectic look, contributing to the overall warmth and inviting nature of farmhouse-style interiors.

Farmhouse Upholstery Fabrics

Farmhouse-style furniture upholstery fabric is characterized by its emphasis on comfort, simplicity and a connection to nature. The choice of fabric is vital in achieving the desired farmhouse look. Commonly used upholstery fabrics for farmhouse furniture include:

• Linen: Linen upholstery fabric adds an elegant touch to farmhouse furniture. Its light and breathable nature contribute to the laid-back and comfortable atmosphere often associated with farmhouse interiors.
• Cotton Canvas: Known for its durability and natural texture, cotton canvas is a popular choice for farmhouse-style upholstery. Its earthy tones and ability to withstand everyday wear make it suitable for sofas, chairs and other farmhouse furniture pieces.
• Burlap: For a truly rustic and farmhouse feel, burlap can be an excellent choice. While it may not be as soft as other fabrics, its coarse texture and neutral tones can add authenticity to farmhouse-style furniture.
• Herringbone Tweed: This classic fabric pattern is versatile and can complement farmhouse aesthetics. Herringbone tweed adds a subtle texture and a sense of warmth to upholstery, making it a great fit for farmhouse-inspired pieces.

Linen stands out as an exceptional choice for farmhouse furniture upholstery due to its unique combination of qualities that perfectly align with the rustic and cozy essence of farmhouse design. 

Known for its natural texture and breathability, linen exudes a laid-back and inviting feel, creating a comfortable atmosphere in farmhouse interiors. The fabric's durability makes it well-suited for everyday use, ensuring that farmhouse furniture maintains both its aesthetic appeal and functionality over time. 

Linen upholstery fabric also contributes to the timeless and classic look of farmhouse furniture, embodying the charm and authenticity that characterize this style. Its ability to age gracefully, developing a soft patina over time, adds a touch of character, making linen an ideal choice for farmhouse enthusiasts seeking both comfort and enduring style in their furniture.

Tips For Buying Farmhouse Upholstery Fabric

As a designer or project manager, making informed choices in upholstery fabric is important to  ensuring both visual appeal and practical durability for furniture pieces in your project. Here are some tips to ensure you buy the best upholstery fabric for your farmhouse-style design.

• Consider Durability: Farmhouse furniture is often subject to heavy use, so prioritize durable upholstery fabrics like linen. This ensures that your furniture not only looks great but also withstands the rigors of daily life on the farm.
• Opt for Natural Textures: Embrace the farmhouse aesthetic by choosing fabrics with natural textures. Linen, in particular, with its organic feel, adds to the authenticity of farmhouse furniture. Look for materials that align with the rustic charm you envision for your space.
• Muted Color Palette: Stick to a muted color palette when selecting upholstery. Neutral tones like beige, cream, soft gray and earthy browns contribute to the calming and welcoming atmosphere characteristic of farmhouse interiors.
• Mix and Match Prints: For a curated and eclectic farmhouse look, don't be afraid to mix and match prints. Combining checks, stripes, florals or even farm animal motifs can add visual interest and personality to your furniture pieces.
• Request Color Samples: Always request color swatches before making a final decision. Lighting conditions and screen variations can affect how a fabric appears. By having physical samples, you can ensure that the chosen upholstery color complements your existing decor and meets your expectations.
• Consider Customization: Farmhouse design often celebrates the unique and handmade. Consider customizing your upholstery to create a one-of-a-kind piece. This could involve choosing a personalized fabric or opting for features like patchwork or script prints to add character.
• Check Stock Colors: Keep in mind that stock colors may not always match what you see online or in catalogs. Factors like dye lots and production variations can lead to slight discrepancies. Be open to potential color variations and, if possible, ask for swatches or samples from the current stock.
• Prioritize Comfort: Farmhouse furniture is not just about looks. Comfort is equally important. Test the fabric for comfort and choose upholstery that not only complements your style but also provides a cozy and inviting seating experience.
• Coordinate with Existing Decor: Ensure that the chosen upholstery fabric coordinates harmoniously with your existing decor. Whether it's matching with wall colors, flooring or other furniture pieces, a cohesive color scheme enhances the overall farmhouse aesthetic.
• Invest in Quality: Farmhouse furniture is an investment, and quality upholstery fabric is key to longevity. Invest in fabrics that are not only visually appealing but also well-constructed to ensure that your farmhouse-style furniture stands the test of time.

It’s also important to work with a high quality fabric supplier who will ensure that you receive your orders in a timely manner. A reliable supplier can streamline the process, providing you with the peace of mind that your carefully selected upholstery fabrics will be in your hands precisely when needed.